Western Michigan QB Kaleb Eleby exits college early to enter 2022 NFL draft

After four seasons in Kalamazoo, Kaleb Eleby intends to take his talent to the pros.

The Western Michigan quarterback announced on social media on Tuesday that he is declaring for the NFL draft.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound right-hander out of Maryland Heights, Missouri, threw for 2,377 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions in 13 games this season, leading the Broncos to an 8-5 record and a win OVER in the Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field last month.

Technically a redshirt sophomore (thanks to the pandemic season's extra year of eligibility), Eleby went 13-11 as a starter over three seasons (2018, 2020-21).

"The last 4 years at WMU have been epic," Eleby said in his social media post. "I am grateful to have been (a) student-athlete at such a tremendous university. Bronco fans, it has been an honor to be your quarterback and team captain; a role that I have never taken lightly."

FROM JULY: Western Michigan QB Kaleb Eleby is the MAC's best-kept secret

This season, Eleby, 21, was a All-MAC second team selection He was a third-team pick in 2020, when he threw for 16 touchdowns and one interception as WMU went 4-2. That year, he was third in the nation in passer rating and tied for most yards per attempt (11.2) with then-Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, now the starter with the New England Patriots.

In five appearances in place of the injured Jon Wassink, Eleby threw for 1,092 yards and four touchdowns against three interceptions. He redshirted in 2019.

Contact Kirkland Crawford: kcrawford@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @HiKirkHere.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Western Michigan football QB Kaleb Eleby enters 2022 NFL draft